If you can’t — or simply don’t want to — drive on the Amalfi Coast, this guide is for you.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful destinations in Italy… but also one of the most stressful places to drive. Between narrow cliffside roads, heavy summer traffic, expensive parking, and the odd/even license plate rule, renting a car isn’t always the best idea.

This detailed itinerary shows you exactly how to explore the Amalfi Coast without a car — including Naples, Procida, Capri, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello — using ferries, trains, and buses.

Why You Don’t Need a Car on the Amalfi Coast

Before we dive into the itinerary, let’s talk about the big question:

Should You Rent a Car on the Amalfi Coast?

✅ Pros of Renting a Car

• Flexibility with your schedule
• Access to hidden villages and viewpoints
• Easier early morning or late-night transfers
• Ideal if staying outside main towns

❌ Cons of Renting a Car

• Very expensive parking (Positano: €6–10 per hour, €50+ per day in summer)
• Extremely busy traffic (especially May–September)
• Narrow, winding cliffside roads
• Limited parking availability
• Stressful driving conditions
• Fuel costs
• The odd/even plate number rule

What Is the Odd/Even Plate Rule?

During peak months (typically high summer), access to the Amalfi Coast road (SS163) is restricted:

• Cars with license plates ending in an odd number can drive on odd dates.
• Cars ending in an even number can drive on even dates.
• Applies during peak hours (usually mid-morning to evening).

This rule does not apply to buses, taxis, or local residents.

For most travelers, public transport is easier, cheaper, and far less stressful.

Getting to the Amalfi Coast: Start in Naples

Most international visitors fly into Naples International Airport (NAP).

From Naples, you can easily reach:

• Procida
• Capri
• Sorrento
• Amalfi Coast towns

Let’s build the perfect car-free itinerary.

Stop 1: Procida

Not technically part of the Amalfi Coast, but absolutely worth visiting.

Procida is quieter and more authentic than Capri, with pastel houses, fishing boats, and almost no mass tourism vibe. That is why it became one of my favorite places to visit.

How to Get from Naples to Procida

Ferry Options

• Companies: Caremar, SNAV
• Departure ports:
  • Calata Porta di Massa (traditional ferry)
  • Molo Beverello (high-speed ferry)

Duration & Price

• Traditional ferry: ~1 hour, round trip from €35
• High-speed ferry: ~35 minutes, round trip from €41
  (Prices vary by season.)

What to Do in Procida

• Explore Marina di Corricella
• Visit Piazza dei Martiri
• Walk up to Salita Castello Viewpoint
• Lunch at Ristorante Gorgonia
• Dinner at La Lampara

Procida is perfect for a relaxed overnight stay before continuing south.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I make a little bit of commission if you click through and book. 

Stop 2: Sorrento (Your Perfect Base)

Sorrento is technically not on the Amalfi Coast, but it’s one of the best places to stay.

Why?

• Excellent transport connections
• More hotel options
• Slightly more affordable
• Less chaotic than Positano

How to Get from Naples to Sorrento

Circumvesuviana Train

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Price: ~€4
• Departs from Napoli Porta Nolana or Napoli Piazza Garibaldi

Campania Express

• Duration: 1 hour
• Price: ~€15
• Air-conditioned, reserved seating

If you have luggage, Campania Express is worth it.

Where to Stay in Sorrento

• Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria (luxury, historic, iconic views)
• Bellevue Syrene (best views of Sorrento)
• Maison La Minervetta (stylish, nautical vibe)

What to Do in Sorrento

• Piazza Tasso
• Stroll Via Corso Italia
• Marina Grande
• Lunch at O’Parrucchiano La Favorita

Getting Around the Amalfi Coast Without a Car

From Sorrento, you can explore Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello easily.

Option 1: SITA Bus (Budget-Friendly)

From Sorrento Train Station

Routes:

• Sorrento → Positano (40 minutes)
• Positano → Amalfi (40 minutes)
• Amalfi → Ravello (30 minutes)

Full-day ticket: ~€10 (unlimited rides)

Important Tip:

Arrive early. In high season, buses fill up quickly and queues are long.

Option 2: Ferry Between Towns (Most Scenic)

Highly recommended in summer.

Ferries operate between:

• Sorrento
• Positano
• Amalfi
• Capri

Why ferries are amazing:

• No traffic
• No winding roads
• Incredible coastal views
• Faster during peak traffic

Prices vary by route (€20–€35 one way).

If seas are rough, services may be suspended.

Stop 3: Positano

Positano is dramatic, vertical, glamorous — and crowded.

What to Do in Positano

• Relax at Spiaggia Grande
• Breakfast at Angelo Pasticceria 1970
• Lunch at Da Ferdinando
• Aperitivo at Terrazza Celè
• Sundowners at Franco’s
• Dinner at Il Tridente
• Private sunset boat tour

Expect steep stairs and premium prices.

Stop 4: Amalfi

Smaller and flatter than Positano, Amalfi feels more accessible.

What to Do in Amalfi

• Visit the Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi)
• Explore charming alleyways
• Enjoy lunch by the sea
• Visit the Paper Museum

Pro tip: Walk 10 minutes through a tunnel to Atrani and have lunch at Le Arcate.

Amalfi is also a transport hub for buses and ferries.

Stop 5: Ravello

Ravello sits high above the coast and offers some of the best views in Italy.

What to Do in Ravello

• Visit Villa Rufolo
• Visit Villa Cimbrone
• Walk to the Terrace of Infinity
• Pizza at Da Nonno Alfonso

Quieter, elegant, and perfect for sunset.

Optional Stop: Capri

If you prefer something more iconic, add Capri to your itinerary.

How to Get to Capri

From Naples:

• High-speed ferry from Molo Beverello
• ~50 minutes
• Prices from €45–€60 round trip (seasonal)

From Sorrento:

• ~20–30 minutes by ferry
• Very frequent in summer

What to Do in Capri

• Visit the Blue Grotto
• Ride the chairlift to Monte Solaro
• Explore Anacapri
• Walk the Gardens of Augustus
• Stroll Via Camerelle

Capri is stunning but expensive and crowded in peak season. Visit early in the morning or stay overnight to enjoy it properly.

Sample 5–7 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary Without a Car

Day 1: Day trip from Naples to Procida
Day 2: Take a train from Naples to Sorrento and explore the city. Sorrento will be your base for the rest of the trip
Day 3: Capri day trip
Day 4: Day trip to Positano
Day 5: Day trip to Amalfi + Ravello
Day 6: Boat day or relax in Sorrento

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Doing Amalfi Coast Without a Car?

Absolutely. In fact, for most travelers, it’s better.

Public transport:

• Is affordable
• Avoids parking stress
• Skips traffic
• Lets you enjoy the views

Unless you’re visiting in low season (March–April or late October) and staying outside main towns, you truly don’t need a car.

The Amalfi Coast is meant to be enjoyed — not survived behind a steering wheel.

For more tips about Positano check out my post about the Most Instagrammable Locations in Positano.